Which of the following statements about Taenia and Trichinella is incorrect?

The statement that is identified as incorrect is the one that asserts both Taenia and Trichinella act as vectors for viral infections.

Taenia, commonly known as tapeworms, and Trichinella, a genus of parasitic roundworms, are both types of helminths that cause infections in their hosts primarily through ingestion of contaminated food. They do not serve as vectors for viral infections, which typically involve species that can spread viruses via biting or carrying the virus between hosts.

In contrast, the other statements are accurate. Both Taenia and Trichinella can indeed be found as cysts in pork muscle, particularly in the case of Trichinella spiralis, which forms cysts in the muscle tissue of infected animals. Both organisms also release their eggs through feces, which is a common method of transmission for parasitic infections. Furthermore, infections caused by these parasites can lead to gastrointestinal distress, particularly in the early stages of infection when symptoms manifest.

This understanding clarifies the unique biological roles of these parasites and their modes of transmission and impact on health, differentiating them from viral vectors.